Table of Contents
Man’s Duty
The wisest man on earth wrote under the inspiration of God, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14).
The whole duty of man is summed up in the recognition of God and obedience to His wise Commandments that are listed in Exodus 20:2-17. Paul stated the same truth in Acts 17:24–31 and Romans 1:20–23. It is man’s duty, his destiny, to know and obey God, and in so doing he will find supreme joy and peace (Psalm 40:8). Whatever his situation in life may be, whether it is in difficulty or ease, it remains his duty to love and obey his Creator and Redeemer.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). It is impossible to love the Lord and not keep His commandments, because the Bible says, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). The apostle declared, “He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).
Judged by Works
Although man is saved by faith alone not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), true faith will produce the fruits of obedience (Romans 1:5; James 2:14–26). Men’s thoughts, words and deeds will be judged at the end of time (Matthew 12:36, 37; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Matthew 5:22, 28; etc.). People may hide their words and deeds from other men, but “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).
On the great day of judgement, it is those who have done the will of God who will enter the kingdom (Matthew 77:21–27). To claim loyalty to God and at the same time disobey even one commandment that His wisdom and love may ask of us, is to worship God in vain (Mark 7:7–9), for in that great day every man will be rewarded “according to his works” (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12).
Divine Power
But the good news is that God gives the faithful the power to fulfill his duty for without Him man can do nothing (John 15:5). Through the life and death of Christ (John 3:16), the Lord provided all the grace necessary for people to live a pure life. Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When the divine commands are faithfully followed, God makes Himself responsible for the triumph of the work undertaken by the believers.
Thus, in the Lord, there is strength to fulfill duty and power to resist temptation. In Him, there is grace for daily growth and service. By faith, the Lord grants the believers both the will and the strength to overcome sin: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). And finally, the Lord rewards His children with everlasting life in glory (Jude 1:21).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
